Tom Aspinall calls Jon Jones a “strange guy”- as UFC title fight hangs in limbo

Tom Aspinall is running out of patience. The interim UFC heavyweight champion has been chasing a shot at undisputed gold for months, with his sights locked on Jon Jones . But as delays and silence continue to cloud the highly anticipated clash, Aspinall has subtly shifted his approach. No longer just branding Jones a "duck," the British star recently offered a new description: “strange guy.” It’s a simple phrase, but one laced with growing exasperation—and maybe a calculated attempt to bait Jones into finally signing the dotted line.

Tom Aspinall’s patience runs thin as Jon Jones delays long-awaited UFC title clash
In a recent appearance on TNT Sports UFC , Tom Aspinall took part in a lighthearted game of word association. When asked to give his take on Jon Jones, his answer came quickly—and noticeably toned down compared to past interviews.

“Strange guy,” Aspinall said, a small but telling departure from his usual digs.

Jon Jones❓

Word association with Tom Aspinall 👀 pic.twitter.com/ryDJvPMV7m

— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) April 19, 2025

The change in language reflects a deeper sense of weariness with how things have unfolded. Aspinall has long made it clear he’s ready to unify the heavyweight titles, but the delays are beginning to wear thin. And while he’s been vocal about Jones “ducking” him in the past, this time the jab came with a touch more subtlety—and perhaps strategy.

Jones, meanwhile, added fuel to the fire earlier this week by tweeting, then deleting, a cryptic message. “The guy who was known for calling out Jon Jones, and didn't end up being great at all,” the post read. While he didn’t name anyone specifically, fans were quick to speculate it was aimed at Aspinall.

With no official word on the fight, many believe Jones is stalling for a bigger payday—or eyeing a record milestone before retiring. Aspinall, however, refuses to play the fool. UFC 316 is emerging as the likely event for an announcement, especially if headlined by star bantamweight Sean O’Malley. Still, others believe Jones will push for a November return, as he’s done in his last two bookings.

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Whether Jon Jones is dodging, delaying, or just being “strange,” Tom Aspinall isn’t letting up. His choice of words may have softened, but the intent remains the same: secure the fight, prove himself as the true champion, and bring clarity to a murky heavyweight division .